IMDb meta-data is runtime is 1 hour a 9 minutes, rated 5.9 by 551 cinematizens.
Genre: Old Dark House
Verdict: Several rungs below mediocrity.
Went backward to see the original version the film already discussed earlier on this blog. Its only claim to fame is that it stars Virginia Kathrine McMath of Independence, Missouri. She plays two roles, one of them very brief.
As above, and often word for word the same, but with a little more explanation and less forced humour from the detective. There is a even a reference to the thirteenth guest at the end, though it makes no sense. The completely incompetent cop is the nephew of the police chief. The detective is a relative of the other copper.
Here, as in the version discussed earlier, the detective orders the police around, carries off evidence with their approval, sequesters witnesses at his home, and generally runs the show while the police say ‘Yes, Sir’ to this arrogant and supercilious twit. He is also patronising to women. An all rounder. Don’t blame the actor, he is written that way.
The best part is that the villain who hides in secret passages and hidden basements wears a rubber mask, hood, and cape. That get-up must have been heavy and hot. It was also pointless since no one ever saw him in it. What a slave to fashion he is. None too bright either, because he puts the switch he uses so far away from his peep hole he can never reach it in time.
Lyle Talbot played the lead, and it is easy to see why Nebraska’s own Talbot receded to supporting roles where he compiled a massive 332 credits, ending in 1987. Maybe the thing to say about him is that the ‘Known for’ entry on the IMDb lists for him ‘Plan 9 from Outer Space’ (1959), where that picture might have better stayed. It is discussed elsewhere on this blog.
The pace is leaden. The direction is leaden. The dialogue is leaden. Not even Virginia Kathrine McMath is allowed to liven things up. She is Miss Ginger Rodgers.
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